Beginner Darkroom Workshop
Upcoming Workshops
This two-class workshop is held in the DCP darkroom. Series runs Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16 from 10am-2pm.
Photography can be so much more hands-on than pixels trapped behind a glass screen. Liberate your images into the real world! This introduction to black and white darkroom is for both new and returning analog enthusiasts! You’ll learn to process your own black and white film, make contact sheets, select the best frame for printing and work with an enlarger.
This workshop is spread across two weekend days and provides film shooters with the basics of developing and printing their own black and white film.
Day 1: Overview of the darkroom, setup, and basic tools and materials for processing film followed by a step-by-step demonstration of film processing and hands-on film roll development.
Day 2: Introduction to basic tools and materials for printing from film negatives followed by a step-by-step contact sheet basics demonstration and hands-on printing.
Our darkroom facility was custom-built specifically for teaching small groups. We have a film processing area, a printing darkroom with 10 enlarger stations, custom sinks, ample air conditioning and ventilation systems, and wise teachers to help you develop your skills. All materials and supplies for this workshop are provided except for the film.
What to bring to class with you:
- One roll of exposed black and white film that you would like to process. We can work with the following:
- 35mm
- 120mm
- Ilford black and white film
- Kodak black and white film
No XP-2 or similar C41 process film. If you aren’t sure, write us and ask!
- Cost per person is $240.
- DCP members receive a 10%-20% discount on all class registrations. Not a member? Join now!
- All materials are provided except for film — you will be required to bring your own pre-shot roll of film to class with you.
- Aprons and non-latex gloves will be provided.
- Maximum number of students is 10.
- Doors open for both sessions at 9:45am. The workshop starts promptly at 10:00am and ends at 2:00pm.
- Classes may be held in the upstairs classroom, up one flight of stairs, with no elevator access.
Q: Will we learn how to use film cameras?
A: No, we won’t be covering basic camera operation or shooting concepts. You will be required to bring a pre-shot roll of film with you to class to work from.
Q: Is lunch included in the workshop?
A: No, lunch will not be provided for either session. Participants are welcome to bring a snack with them to be consumed outside of the darkroom facilities.
Q: I’m under 18. Can I take the workshop?
A: Yes, but only if an adult registers to take the classes with you.
Q: How will I know if a workshop makes or not?
A: If a class doesn’t make and has to be canceled, you will receive an email no later than the night before the scheduled class date.
Q: What if I have to cancel?
A: If you cancel 7 days or more ahead of the scheduled date of the class, you will receive a full refund minus a $25 administrative fee. A cancellation between 5 to 7 days ahead of the scheduled date will receive 50% refund minus a $25 administrative fee. There is no refund or transfer credit for cancellations within 4 days of the start time of the class or workshop. Full details on cancellations are on our Policies page.
Whitney J. Daude-Willis
Originally from Ding Dong, Texas, Whitney assisted her parents in loading their 35mm cameras with film in hotel rooms on vacation from a young age. She received her BFA in Art, with a concentration in Photography, from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2017. After graduation, she accepted the Photo Lab Coordinator position at UTA, assisting students in navigating lighting studios, digital print labs, an alternative process lab, and a black and white darkroom. More passionate for the black and white darkroom, Whitney has found that the safelights have proven to be a safe space since graduation. Since 2015, she has assisted instructor and photographer Scott Hilton in professional projects. Additionally, she assisted both renowned wet plate photographer Lisa Elmaleh in tintype workshops and Alan Ross in fine art printing during their DCP workshops.